Perkiomen SUMMER 2018
MAGAZINE
FOR ALUMNI, STUDENTS, FAMILIES, FACULTY, AND FRIENDS
on the cover: As non-profit leaders, Morgan and Nic worked together to make a positive difference in the lives of others. this page: Emalee Walsh ’19 (pictured here) and Anne Coby ’21 (see page 15) both scored their 100th career goals this past season helping to lead Perkiomen girls’ lacrosse to an undefeated league championship.
Perkiomen
MAGAZINE SUMMER 2018
Headmaster Mark A. Devey
Editorial Staff Carol Dougherty Diana J. Gleeson Bernadette Kovaleski
Contributors Christe Konopitski ’09 Abigail Rose-Craver ’14 Kimberly Gardner Diana Weir-Smith ’85, P ’19
Headmaster’s Letter Bold, Experiential Education Getting By With A Little Help From My Friends Inside Out: Perkiomen School Comrades, Friends and Family Ever Perkiomen to Puerto Rico Perkiomen School Brings 8-Man Football to Pennsylvania
Photography
2017-2018: Sports Recap
Tim Miller Jorge Ramirez
Commencement 2018
Design Tony DeOliveira
Welcome Home Alumni Weekend
P E R K I O M E N M AG A Z I N E
3 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18
Sandy Auld ’58
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In Memoriam
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Class Notes
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Headmaster Devey with Jill Kachmar ’18 and Molly Welby ’18 at the Headmaster’s Holiday Open House.
COLLEC AMBIT 2
P E R K I O M E N M AG A Z I N E
Dear Perkiomen Community, Collective ambition is powerful. It can help us ensure our ventures are both sustainable and enjoyable. Harvard Business Review described this model as a focus on two priorities - in their words - the glue (collaborative engagement) and the grease (disciplined execution) in order to achieve everyone’s goals. As I enter my fourth year at Perkiomen this fall, I am invested in leading our community to explore collaborative ways to make both the individual student experience and the institution as a whole stand apart. Working together generates commitment. Respecting one another and acknowledging our unique contributions leads to the discovery of new answers. Creating an environment where we can all be both teachers and learners, allows us to confidently move forward and serve as forerunners to a new type of dynamic education. This edition of the Perkiomen Magazine highlights our most recent collaborations. Making connections, whether it is to incorporate a non-profit, provide basic needs in a crisis, or partner with local hospitals, strengthens our school and our community. We are simply better when we work together.
ECTIVE TION Best,
Mark A. Devey Headmaster
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Bold, Experiential Ed Sets Perkiomen Apa Philosopher and educator John Dewey said, “Education
take the shape of a literature review, research, or field work.
is not preparation for life; life is education.” Inherent in
Seventeen members of the class of 2019 have been accepted
Perkiomen School’s design is the root concept that Life is
as candidates for the Medical Institute. Their practicum
solved by living – Solvitur Vivendo. Education at Perkiomen
topics range from mental health to veterinary science.
has been grounded in experience, experimentation, and exploration. The launch of the Entrepreneur Institute
Two members of the class of 2018 earned membership in
provided the opportunity for students to dive into learning
the charter class of the Medical Institute. Xiaoyan Zhang ’18
that is a blend of traditional classroom work and real-world
focused her work on Hepatitis C research, and Jocelyn Dupee
business application. Thus, it makes sense that this model of
’18 studied the health benefits of goats’ milk. Taking the lead
learning expands beyond entrepreneurship.
as the new Director of the Medical Institute is former science Department Head Mindy Irven. Olivier Joseph ’13 returns
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In the fall of 2018, the bold vision continues as the Medical
to Perkiomen to teach the Foundations of Medical Science
Institute will formally launch. Students interested in
course and work as the Assistant Director. The Institute has
earning Medical Distinction will take traditional course
partnered with St. Luke’s Hospital, Cedar Crest College
work, complete at least 10 hours of external experience,
(nursing division), Perkiomen Animal Hospital, Quakertown
and conclude their work with a practicum. The practicum
Veterinary Clinic, and Delaware Valley Veterinary Behavior.
is designed to be customized to student interests and can
Additionally, many community members have volunteered
P E R K I O M E N M AG A Z I N E
Cross-Listed Courses Medical Institute
Students have the freedom to choose the educational path that appeals to both their current and future interests and goals. Dual Enrollment Students may enroll in both the Entrepreneur Institute and the Medical Institute. An individualized plan will be created to meet the required elements of each program.
Education art pictured above: Mindy Irven, Director, and Carol Dougherty, Associate Headmaster/ External Director for Medical Institute, with new Medical Institute candidates. to mentor students. Associate Headmaster Carol Dougherty will coordinate the external programs and mentorships.
Cross-Listed Courses Students enrolled in the Medical Institute choose from the following cross-listed courses: Fine Arts • Additive Manufacturing History • AP® Psychology • Ethics Math • AP® Statistics Science • AP® Physics 1 or 2
Creating bold educational opportunities is what sets
• AP® Physics C: Electricity and Magnetism
Perkiomen School apart from its peers. “Programs like the
• AP® Physics C: Mechanics
Entrepreneur Institute and the Medical Institute give our students an edge,” says Headmaster Mark A. Devey. “They have academic experiences that are grounded in excellent classroom studies and real-world work. Perkiomen graduates have a range of experiences, transferable skills, a thirst to
Other • Fluency in a second language • Pre-approved alternative course
learn, grit, and resilience. These are the tools that transform students into leaders who will make a global difference.”
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With Nic’s help and guidance, Morgan received a $120,000 Google Grant for her charity, Morgan’s Magical Ears.
Getting By With a Little Help from My Friends
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P E R K I O M E N M AG A Z I N E
Morgan Keely ’24 and Nic Birosik ’18 combine forces to make magic.
Enter senior Nic Birosik, founder and CEO of his own non-
You’ll notice two things about Morgan Keely the moment you
could help.
profit, NicNac Charities, Inc. Nic met Morgan on the first day of school as both were placed on the same team for Perkiomen’s Purple and Gold games. A class in the Entrepreneur Institute introduced the pair formally, which is when Nic knew he
meet her: a wide smile and infectious laugh. Both have gotten her through a few challenges along the way, and both are
Birosik explained, “I wanted Morgan to have all of her ducks in
a critical part of the work she does to support and comfort
a row as a non-profit, and it was critical to be fully recognized
children spending time in hospitals. It isn’t often that you meet
not only by the state of Pennsylvania, but federally. I knew
a 12-year-old who has successfully launched a community
that if we could get her paperwork in order and filed, she’d
service project beyond the occasional lemonade stand in
be eligible for innumerable grants and other opportunities to
elementary school, but Morgan’s Magical Ears has been
further her mission.”
earning smiles since she was 5 years old. Nic worked on Morgan’s articles of incorporation for Born deaf, Morgan received her first cochlear implant at 13
Pennsylvania, as well as her 501 (c) 3 paperwork with the
months and her second at 3 years. Receiving an anonymous
federal government, a process that stretched out over three
post-op gift herself sparked Morgan’s desire to help other kids
months. Everything was facilitated through NicNac Charities,
feel loved while they were in the hospital. She and her family
Nic’s capstone for graduating with distinction from Perkiomen’s
(mom Julie, dad Ben, and sister Rylee) have been working
Entrepreneur Institute. Grant applications are now in process,
together to pay it forward.
which will help with online advertising, messaging, and promotion.
“Morgan received a small gift after her tenth surgery and she loved it so much that she asked me on the way home, still feeling
“Nic is an incredibly intelligent young man and was kind to take
very groggy, if we could do this for other kids,” shares Morgan’s
Morgan under his wing this past year to teach her and show her
mom, Julie. “I of course said yes. This was a great opportunity
some new ideas to keep growing,” says Julie. “He took it upon
to teach her what ‘paying it forward is,’ so we started doing this
himself to fill out the forms and help Morgan apply to become
on our own and aimed for doing about 10 buckets.”
non-profit. It was approved, and dreams started coming true.”
To date Morgan has donated more than 2,000 buckets of goodies
“I’m so proud of Morgan and the fact that she’s taking on such
to children who desperately need a pick-me-up. Through word-
a positive role in our community,” said Birosik. “Working with
of-mouth at local events and church activities, Morgan has been
Morgan and Morgan’s Magical Ears has not only allowed me
able to keep up with demands and donates on Easter, Christmas,
to help another student, but to do the work I’m so passionate
and the anniversary of her cochlear implants.
about with NicNac Charities.”
Then she came to Perkiomen and the possibilities became
“We can’t thank Nic, Perkiomen, Mr. Yorgey, and all the staff
endless.
and students enough for their support,” says Morgan.
Morgan and her mom, Julie, review the incorporation process with Nic.
Morgan’s mission is to deliver a bucket like this, including the lovable “Woofi” to sick and recovering children.
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INSIDE OUT:
Perkiomen School On March 2, 2011, artist JR won the TED prize at the TED Conference in Long Beach, California, and called for the creation of a global participatory art project with the potential to change the world. This project is called INSIDE OUT. Inspired by JR’s large format street “pastings,” INSIDE OUT gives everyone the opportunity to share their portrait and make a statement for what they stand for. It is a global platform for people to share their untold stories and transform messages of personal identity into works of public art.
Pictured here as seniors, students pose with their seventhgrade poster selves.
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P E R K I O M E N M AG A Z I N E
Each INSIDE OUT group action around the world is documented, archived and exhibited online. Over 260,000 people have participated in 129 countries. The INSIDE OUT project has traveled from Ecuador to Nepal, from Mexico to Palestine, inspiring group actions on varied themes such as hope, diversity, gender-based violence, and climate change. Head of Middle School Amber Goupil taught the recentlygraduated class of 2018 in Grade 7 Art, engaging them in JR’s INSIDE OUT project right here in Pennsburg. The class statement reads, “We need the stories of others. As a school with students from around the world, our community
holds a lot of assumptions about one another and we have a unique opportunity to break down barriers. Additionally, students do not often interact in a meaningful way with the neighborhood. Both the school community and the larger community could benefit greatly from the other.” Perkiomen’s project initially asked for 50 posters from participating students and ended up with 75. Overall, they collected more than 300 portraits and asked that people share a story and make a silly face to break down barriers and build community. Students in Grade 7 canvased campus and the greater community, displaying all the portraits and stories during the Middle School Fine Arts Festival and invited the greater community to view them. Those then-seventh graders and now-graduated seniors posed with their portraits, giving the project new life.
but they all support and know each other in a way that sums up the Perkiomen community nicely. Personally, it was nice to reflect on this project and this group of students as I closed out my last year as middle school head. This kind of education and connection to individual students and the greater community is the reason I am so excited to join the student life office in the coming year.” For an in-depth look at their portraits, check out JR’s official page at http://www.insideoutproject.net/en/groupactions/usa-pennsburg.
Amber Goupil and the seventh grade posters.
“This was definitely a favorite project from my years in the art room,” says Goupil, who this fall takes on the role of Director of Student Programming at Perkiomen. “Five years later, this group of students has all grown tremendously and are an impressive crew. They are artists, poets, athletes, singers, scholars, activists, entrepreneurs, and all around great kids. They are all very distinct individuals with their own interests and social groups, some of which overlap,
from insideoutproject.net S U M M E R 201 8
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“Originally, I was planning on just flying up to visit for a couple of days. After spending three months in Puerto Rico after the hurricane, I wanted to take a break from all the craziness. Long story short, I ended up getting a one-way ticket here and decided to stay and apply for jobs. This sudden move was only possible with the help of Mr. and Mrs. Dougherty, who opened their home to me while I got settled in. Perkiomen has also been a major contributor to my transition. Mark Devey and Coach Baker along with the rest of the school have extended their hands and have helped me every step of the way. For that, I’m truly grateful. Perkiomen has a special place in my life. It helped me mature and prepare me for college as a student, and even now years later they are still doing what they can to help me succeed. That’s something special that I think separates Perk from other schools. To me, Perkiomen is an extension of my family.”
- Georgie Montes ’11 “September 20, 2017: the date that Hurricane Maria changed our lives forever. During the hurricane, my oldest son, my wife, and I were in my house in Carolina, Puerto Rico. The night went on and we were very nervous…. the winds were so strong that we though it could be ripped off. On the other hand, we were calm knowing that Nathaniel (’18) was safe at Perkiomen School. We did not want him to be worried. Once we were able to communicate with him we told him everything was fine despite the fact that we didn’t have fuel or electricity and the cellphones didn’t have signals. We waited for 63 days to have the power back and sometimes we still have blackouts. At the time we just wanted for Naty to concentrate on his studies and not to worry about us. After a few weeks I received a call from Mr. Baker and he told me that a group from Perkiomen was coming to Puerto Rico to bring some help and relief to the people. On November 14, 2017 we went to the center of the island to the town of Aibonito and Barranquitas. Once we got there we started to deliver the bottled water directly to the people in need. Mr. Baker made sure that the houses we visited were houses with kids in them. We spent a few hours delivering the goods but the most emotional moment of the day was at the end when Mr. Baker saw this little girl at the door of her house and he stopped the cars; her mother came out with her older sister and we gave them the last three cases of water we had. The lady was alone in her humble house with her two daughters without water service and without electric power. Just when we were leaving the little girl said to Mr. Baker, “Gracias Señor” and we all teared up because we knew that those words came from her little heart. I’ve been blessed and I’m very thankful for the years that Naty has spent at Perkiomen. I’ve seen how he has changed mentally and physically and for that I just want to say, “Gracias a todos en Perkiomen.”
- Samuel Urbina, P ’18
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P E R K I O M E N M AG A Z I N E
Perkiomen students from Puerto Rico display their pride and support of home. L to R: Frances Del Toro ’19, Jose Aviles ’19, Jeremy Amaro ’19, Nathaniel Urbina ’18, Carlos Torres ’19, Bianca Diaz ’19
Comrades, friends, and family ever...
Perkiomen to Puerto Rico Having witnessed the previous destruction of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma, many thought they knew what to expect in Puerto Rico in the early fall. However, nature took its own course as Hurricane Maria approached. There were storm surges, attempted evacuations, no electricity, and flooding. And when Maria finally left Puerto Rico in its wake, we learned that, in fact, we really had no idea.
Sixteen-hundred miles away – seemingly a world away – from the devastation was Perkiomen School. Perkiomen has been a homeaway-from-home to over 75 Puerto Rican alumni, with the first – Enrique Machuca and Luis Ramos Robles – graduating in 1920. Pennsburg is a 3-hour flight away from life-long friends, alumni, and the families of six current students who call Perkiomen home. Students who, with the lack of cellular service and power, could not reach their families in the aftermath of the deadliest hurricane to hit the island. Immediately following the hurricane Juan Carlos Sierra P ’13 reached out to Perkiomen for help and knew the school would be there for those in need. Ken Baker, Athletic Director and Baseball Coach, partnered with his friend, Sierra, to reach parents and alumni in Puerto Rico, making sure everyone was okay. Sierra then went to work on securing pallets of water for distribution and
Bobby Saeger P ’24 and Carlos Torres, Sr. P ’19 deliver water to a home in Puerto Rico.
Baker and Assistant Baseball Coach Bobby Saeger P ’24 began working with the greater Perkiomen community to raise the funds needed to purchase the water. The same six students, now relieved but ready to help, led the charge for fundraising and friendraising in the Perkiomen community alongside Sheridan Elementary, where Kim Saeger P ’24 teaches. Together, funds raised exceeded $5,000. Baker and Saeger headed to Puerto Rico and distributed over 1,000 cases of water. Joining them across the island were Sierra, alumni, and current students’ families. It gave new meaning to this stanza from Perkiomen’s Alma Mater:
Comrades, friends, and family ever, Each to each we’ll be; There are bonds which naught can sever Through eternity Bonds of union, bonds of friendship Bonds of endless love, That are bred by Alma Mater, And by God above. ~ Al Dubin ’11
Juan Carlos Sierra P ’13, Bobby Saeger P ’24, Ken Baker, and Georgie Montes ’11 work together at another home in Puerto Rico.
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PERKIOMEN SCHOOL BRINGS
8-MAN FOOTBALL TO PENNSYLVANIA Unafraid to lead, Perkiomen School will be embarking on a new approach to a high school tradition in Pennsylvania with the introduction of 8-man football this fall.
“For us, a co-ed school of under 350 students, a smaller
“The 8-man version of football is an offensive-minded
feel helps players focus on the skills necessary to stop an
game built for speed, requiring fewer players, and less ‘big
opponent as there’s really no place to hide.”
squad focused more on skill play than a reliance on a deep group of big linemen best matches our school population. The 8-man game opens up the field for fast players. You have student athletes who can play both sides, and the wide-open
linemen,’” stated Headmaster Mark A. Devey. “Growing in popularity in 18 states including Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas,
The idea isn’t new, but having the gumption to make the
and New York, we are looking to lead regional high schools in
switch is. “We have been looking at 8-man football for the
this new direction.”
last five years,” says Director of Athletics Ken Baker. “We have struggled with the number of players and dropped football
An 8-man game varies in a few key ways. There are eight
for five years in 1992, when I was coaching. When we saw the
players, rather than 11, playing on a slightly smaller field at
possibility of having to drop the program again and saw what
80 x 40 yards for four, 10-minute quarters. The fewer bodies
they have done around the country with 8-man football, we
on the field is often an advantage for skill players, opening
felt it would fit our situation at Perkiomen.”
up play and thus, the scoreboard. Eight-man typically allows a coach to manipulate which positions are “omitted” on a
Manferdini agrees. “One of my last games as a coach we
play, whether that be linemen or skill position players. It is
played with only 15 players in uniform against a team with over
a fast-paced game in which players’ quickness and agility is
40 players. I was very concerned about safety for our players
paramount. What one doesn’t leave behind is the game that
as they could not have a break during the game. I brought the
has become synonymous with Friday nights in America.
concept of 8-man football to Perkiomen years ago. We talked to other schools and as well as the state coaching association
“Eight-man football is football, you have to run, block, tackle
but received little interest back. Now that we are fortunate to
and learn all the techniques associated with the game, no
have found other teams who are playing, we are going to see
matter how many are on a side,” says Assistant Headmaster
exciting football.”
for Student Life and former football coach Kevin Manferdini. While Perkiomen is the first team to play 8-man football in
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It is a great way to continue a favorite pastime. Not only is
Pennsylvania, the school has been invited to play in the
it a wonderful match for high schools with great football
NorthEast 8-Man Football League that includes Pomfret, The
traditions, it is also a great way for a smaller schools, and in
Gunnery School, Millbrook, Holderness, and Forman School.
turn, fewer boys, to successfully compete.
There will be both home and away games for the Panthers.
“With five fall sports options for boys, it has often been
Eight-man football was celebrated during the recent NFL
challenging to fill a squad with enough players—larger,
draft as the first-round pick of the Dallas Cowboys, Leighton
lineman-type, in particular,” remarked Headmaster Devey.
Vander Esch, thrived in the 8-man game in high school.
P E R K I O M E N M AG A Z I N E
In April, Vander Esch told Sports Illustrated that playing 8-man
“I am very excited to have the opportunity to bring 8-man
football was actually a huge help in his development. With six
football to Perkiomen and to Pennsylvania,” says Perlstein.
fewer bodies on the field, the ball gets into the open field
“In addition to pioneering this movement in our state, we
much easier—as a result, plays unfold faster, and defensive
also get the rare opportunity to compete against schools in
fundamentals become critical. The game is learned from both
the northeast. To have success in 8-man football, just as in
sides, and there is more demand on endurance and durability.
the traditional game, we need to be fundamentally sound at blocking and tackling. Therefore, I plan on building a
Sean O’Donnell, current Perkiomen parent and a key voice in
program and culture that emphasizes the importance of
local football circles, informed Baker that nine school districts
blocking and tackling, being physically fit, and competing
of youth teams in Delaware and Chester counties are going
every day. If we can do well in those four areas, I believe
to 8- man football. Their leagues are receiving funding from
this will translate to success on the field. I look forward to
the NFL.
working with my staff in our inaugural season and sharing my passion for football and the life lessons it taught me.”
Headmaster Devey has recruited former Upper Perkiomen High School player and coach, former Kutztown University
Be sure to be in the stands as Perkiomen Football plays at
player, and current Perkiomen School physics teacher Casey
home for Fall Family Weekend, September 29, 2018.
Perlstein as head coach of the 8-man team.
Casey Perlstein (right) named head coach of Perkiomen 8-man Football
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Girls Volleyball finished second in the league.
Boys Soccer won the Tri-County League regular season title.
Miriam Oelgarth ’18 placed first in the high jump, becoming the first state champion for track and field since the program began again five years ago.
Cross Country runners dropped significant time throughout the season culminating in numerous personal records at the TCL finals and a championship win for the boys.
Boys tennis won the Tri-County League championship taking first place in all but first doubles, which came in second. They lost only one match to a non-league opponent.
Girls soccer made it into the TCL championship.
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2017-201 P E R K I O M E N M AG A Z I N E
Girls Softball attained a 9-5 record, winning the Tri-County League championship.
Girls Tennis won the TCL championship. Julia Kelly ’20 went undefeated in the league. Jill Kachmar ’18 won all her matches at second singles.
Girls lacrosse went undefeated in the league and won the championship for the sixth consecutive year. Emalee Walsh ’19 and Anne Coby ’21 both achieved their 100th career goals.
Track and Field sent two teams to Penn Relays and sent 39 members to the PAISAA championship, placing in third, fourth, fifth and seventh positions in multiple contests.
Baseball finished the season with a 17-9 record. They won the league championship for the 24th consecutive year.
Boys basketball completed its season at 18-6 and advanced to the semi-finals of the PAISAA tournament for the first time in school history. The team finished 12th in the final Southeastern Philadelphia Inquirer poll. The team posted a perfect 8-0 record during the regular season against the prestigious MAPL and Inter-Ac Leagues. Two of the six losses came against nationally ranked opponents. They had a 26 game winning streak.
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2018 Commencement
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Photos as numbered: 1. Congratulations to the Class of 2018 2. Physics teacher Benjamin Roig, Ph. D., nominated by the students as the Faculty Speaker, addresses the graduates at Baccalaureate. 3. Commencement Speaker Hyunjoon “Ryan” Park ’07. 4. Salutatorian Tangchao Chen speaks at the podium. 5. Headmaster Devey presents the Headmaster’s Cup award to Tracy Kanimba. 6. Seamus Finnegan, elected the student speaker for Baccalaurate, addresses his classmates. 7. Sadie Butcher delivers the Valedictorian Address. 8. Assistant Headmaster for Student Life Kevin Manferdini congratulates the graduates.
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P E R K I O M E N M AG A Z I N E
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The Class of 2018 concluded their years at Perkiomen with a weekend of celebration, including a ceremony of class talents and reflections at the Baccalaureate Service on Friday evening, followed by the celebratory Commencement Exercises on Saturday morning. Perkiomen welcomed back Hyunjoon “Ryan” Park ’07 to deliver the Commencement Address. “Ryan is an alumnus who embodies our mission,” said Headmaster Mark A. Devey. “He takes risks and produces results in every aspect of his life. I am honored that he joined us for Commencement.”
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Welcome Home
This June, 118 alumni returned to campus to make new memories with old friends. Proud alumni traveled from as far as Mumbai and Bermuda to join in the festivities filled with good food, drinks, and laughter. This was the second year for the alumni lacrosse game, now known as the Clark Kreger ’92 Memorial Lacrosse Classic, attracting five generations of participants. Guests also had the opportunity to learn more about Perkiomen’s Medical Institute in addition to hearing about a vision for a new student center in a discussion led by Headmaster Devey.
Clark Kreger ’92 Memorial Classic Lacrosse Game provided fun and competition.
Alumni Week 18
P E R K I O M E N M AG A Z I N E
Hall of Athletic Honor – Seth Gabriel ’92
Alex Kleinman ’06, Sue Baker, Julian Gentile ’10, Ken Baker and Miguel Valcarcel ’06 celebrate the evening.
50th reunion class
ekend
Seth graduated from Johnson State College with a B.S. in environmental science in 1997. While at Johnson, Seth played soccer his freshman year and then tennis during his sophomore, junior and senior years. He was inducted into Johnson’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2009. Seth has been a certified US Professional Tennis Association instructor for 20 years and currently serves on the HEAD/ PENN Advisory Staff. He served as the Director of Tennis Programs at Equinox and Topnotch Resorts. Seth opened his own club, the Bennington Tennis Center, in 2010. It has four indoor courts, and Seth regularly hosts clinics in his facility for players of all ages and skill levels. In addition to the traditional clinics, he began a tennis program for adults with disabilities using adaptive equipment, all with the goal of enjoying the sport, regardless of ability. Most recently, Seth has been serving as a Board Member and Acting Tennis Director for Bennington Aces, a nonprofit organization through the National Junior Tennis and Learning Network of USTA. Bennington Aces is in partnership with Bennington College, providing instruction, equipment, tutoring, and meals to over 250 local elementary school students three days a week during the school year. In addition to the afterschool clinics, they run enrichment summer camps for local under-resourced youth.
S U M M E R 201 8
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Having a 90s flashback are Kara Koch ’92, Tucker Day ’93, Ethan Rhodes ’92, Art Schuessler ’91, Dane Tobin ’93 and Nick Nicholas ’93.
Class of 2008 members Kush Singh, David Boehm, and Collin Glass reminisce with former chaplain John Sakalouckas.
Harold Smith ’68 in from Bermuda enjoyed the student/alumni band, WIGS.
Jim Braddock ’63 and Marvin Weizer ’53 converse with Mindy Irven, Director of the Medical Institute.
Alumni Week 20
P E R K I O M E N M AG A Z I N E
Hall of Athletic Honor – Miguel Valcarcel ’06
Nic Birosik ’18 talks with alumni about Nic Nac Charities technology literacy program.
Seth Gabriel ’92, Dick Rainer ’68, Kelly Glinski ’88, and Ryan Hunsberger ’93 enjoyed the tennis clinic.
ekend
During his senior year at Perkiomen, Miguel was drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the 32nd round of the 2006 MLB Draft. Following graduation, he went on to St. John’s University in New York, majoring in hospitality management. He played baseball for the Red Storm all four years, appearing in 59 games, starting 18. During his summers, Miguel played for the Keene Swamp Bats of the New England Collegiate Baseball League as well as the Northwoods League, another collegiate summer baseball league. Miguel returned to Puerto Rico in 2011 and has been working in the hotel industry ever since. Until 2017, he played for local teams El Rio Grande, Las Piedras, and Los Juncos and was named a three time all-star. Although he retired from the game in 2017 following Hurricane Maria, Miguel continues to coach a 16-and-under team with pitching. Miguel currently lives in Carolina, Puerto Rico and works at Condado Vanderbilt Hotel, holding the position of Assistant Director of Housekeeping.
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Sandy Auld ’68 meets Liam Brassington ’19, winner of the Brown Book Award, sponsored by Sandy.
Sandy and Susan Auld learn more about Morgan’s Magical Ears, a non-profit created by Morgan Keely ’24.
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Sandy Auld P E R K I O M E N M AG A Z I N E
“In 1955, I was a restless teenager intrigued with James Dean in Rebel Without a Cause. At 15, on the verge of being a juvenile delinquent, I left home in Lancaster and ran away to Seattle in October. Three weeks later I returned home. My father, a school district superintendent, was very concerned. He reached out to Perkiomen Headmaster Dr. Roberts, and by January 1956 I was a second-semester sophomore at Perk. I was challenged academically and in athletics. There were no distractions.” Three years later in 1959, Perkiomen alumnus and Brown
Sandy also met with Liam Brassington ’19 this year’s winner of
University sophomore John “Sandy” Auld ’58 attended a three-
the Brown University Book Award, a Prize Day award sponsored
day convocation hosted by Brown.
The theme was Man’s
by Sandy that is given to a junior who best combines academic
Contracting World in an Expanding Universe and featured
excellence with clarity in written and spoken expression.
scholars, philosophers, and scientists, including Charles Darwin’s
Liam, whose capstone project, as a complement to his family’s
grandson and namesake, Physicist Sir Charles Galton Darwin.
recruiting agency, is creating an app to connect job seekers in any area to small and mid-sized businesses. “He has brains,
“That happened only 12 months out of Perkiomen,” said Sandy,
energy, and personality,” said Sandy, “and I told him, ‘The world
“and I have never forgotten it in 60 years. It is embedded. We
is your oyster.’ When I was at Perkiomen, I was challenged. And
are still in a contracting world and an expanding universe. And
I thought the challenge was fantastic. I think that is exactly
I am seeing that clearly on the campus of Perkiomen today.”
what the Entrepreneur Institute is doing – it is challenging young people today. It was great to see it first-hand.”
Sandy and his wife, Susan, recently returned to campus for Alumni Weekend, where Sandy celebrated his 60th class
Susan Auld also recognized the unique role that alumni can play
reunion and honored his life-changing experience at Perkiomen
in the Entrepreneur Institute and the newly created Medical
by making a significant contribution to the Perkiomen Fund.
Institute. “We learned that this is an opportunity for alumni to learn and grow alongside the students,” said Susan. “Alumni
“We were extremely impressed with the addition of the
can take experiences and questions that arise in their world to
Entrepreneur Institute and the Innovation Center and what
suggest new paths of exploration.” Sandy agreed, “The alumni
is happening there.” said Sandy. He realized that if students
who are working in the field can uncover needs, and students
were able to take advantage of the dichotomy, narrowing
may be able to help provide possible solutions.”
focus and increasing outreach at the same time, Perkiomen would see tremendous growth through updating the campus
Journalist Ben H. Bagdikian wrote the following about the 1959
and programs. “It is money well-spent,” said Sandy. “It felt like
Brown University convocation, “Man seldom pauses to reflect
it was the right time for us to make a statement of support and
as he passes from one era to another. Indeed, usually he does
we encourage other alumni to do the same.”
not know he has made the passage until he looks back.” Sandy notes he has definitely paused, and reflected, and found his
While on campus in June, Sandy and Susan were able to
passage transformative. “Perk was a big change for me; it was
connect directly to students in the entrepreneurial program.
the right move,” he shared. “I blossomed at Perk and many
Middle school student Morgan Keely ’24, founder of the non-
times I’ve thanked Perk for my life. I’m proud to give back.”
profit organization Morgan’s Magical Ears (see related story on pages 6 and 7), particularly stood out to the Aulds.
’58
“We were just bowled over by Morgan,” said Sandy. “She’s excellent. And to be giving back at 12? It’s wonderful to see young people doing that so early in life.”
Sandy and his classmates celebrated their 60th Reunion.
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In Memoriam
George K. Allison Headmaster Mark A. Devey speaks about George K. Allison at the Alumni Weekend Memorial Service.
Perkiomen School’s 13th Headmaster, George K. Allison, passed away suddenly on February 14. On the Saturday of Alumni Weekend, alumni, faculty, and community members gathered in the Stefano Meditation Garden with George’s wife Lucy and their daughters, Nicole ’92 and Sage ’94, for a memorial to celebrate George’s life and 24 years of service to his beloved Perkiomen School. In Headmaster Mark A. Devey’s opening remarks, he noted that this location by the old arboretum was especially fitting as George loved spending his weekends tending to “the arb.” In a similar fashion, George cultivated Perkiomen to become even greater during his tenure. His memory, legacy, and love for Perkiomen lives on. About a week before he passed, George sent the following to Associate Headmaster Carol Dougherty: When I became Headmaster of Perkiomen School in 1985, I discovered in one of the closets in my office, the original architectural plans for Kriebel Hall. When the building was designed in 1894 the plans called for a Cupola on top of the building. Oscar S. Kriebel, Headmaster and Trustees did not have the funds to build the Cupola. For the next 101 years Kriebel Hall was “topless.” Beginning around 1989, our Building and Grounds Committee under Chair George W. Peck ’35 was discussing how to renovate Kriebel Hall and correct the buildings many deficiencies. Gordon W. Baver, Local General Contractor and Trustees were also on the committee. The renovating process would have been an extremely slow and disruptive to everyone concerned.
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The Great Fire of 1994 changed everything. The speed of changes on campus went into “overdrive.” The fire occurred in one of the old showers on the 2nd floor, when a circuit breaker did not “trip.” The State Fire Marshall classified the fire as an “Act of God.” Perkiomen School was very fortunate that the fire occurred at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday afternoon not at 1 a.m. We had no casualties except one faculty member lost her cat in the fire and Mr. and Mrs. Longstreth’s cat “Swish” was missing for a week. Prior to the fire, Hill School was designing a new Fine Arts Center and they obtained the services of H2L2 architectural firm from Philadelphia. I had an oppor tunity to meet with the firm’s principals on several occasions at the Pottstown YMCA. We discussed the possibility that sometime in the future Kriebel Hall maybe renovated. Little did we realize the “future” would come quickly to Perkiomen School. The fire occurred on Sunday, April 17, 1994 around 5:30 p.m. The first 2 pieces of fire trucks arrived from Pennsburg and later there were 53 fire depar tments fighting the fire. One fire depar tment came from West Chester, Pennsylvania and all of Allentown’s heavy fire trucks. Everyone pitched in and removed por traits, Baum paintings from the Stefano Lounge, a few academic records from Barbara Baker’s office, and from the Headmasters Office the Kriebel Hall Architectural Designs from the burning building. 24 hours later the building was still burning but H2 L2 architectural firm was contacted and the H2L2 Principals arrived on Wednesday to review and devoured the architectural plans.
In Memoriam Mr. Mr. Mr. Mr. Mr.
William L. Abrams ’48 John B. Allen ’49 Robert Alonso ’61 Mark G. Bissell ’82 Anthony J. Cucinotta ’64
As Kriebel Hall was burning on Sunday evening a decision was made by Bill Fritz and the Headmaster to schedule an Executive Meeting for the Board of Trustees on Friday, April 22. All members of the Board of Trustees were invited to attend. The meeting was held at the Schwenkfelder Library. 100% of the entire board attended the meeting. Some board members flew from the West Coast and Florida. Key decisions were made at the Executive Meeting by selecting a General Contractor Gordon H. Baver (who stepped down as a board member) and H2L2 was appointed to be in charge of the designing the “New 21st Century State of Ar t” Kriebel Hall, this time with a Cupola, carillon and no deficiencies. The Cupola was fabricated by a firm located in Campbellsville, Kentucky. The actual material use for the Cupola was a high grade of plastic. The Cupola would sit over steel suppor t beams. The Gold Plated 24 Carat Eagle could not be touched by human hands and the construction member had to wear special cotton gloves. When the Cupola was anchored on Kriebel’s steel roof a construction member was lifted by construction crane 130 feet high to place the Eagle on top of the Cupola. At that moment I am sure Oscar S. Kriebel must have been smiling, I can assure you, I was.
Mr. J. Richard Davis ’69 Mr. Philip J. Girvin ’60 Ms. Olivia P. Hoffman ’13 Mr. George C. Kline, Sr. ’48 Jeffrey A. Kugel, Ph.D., M.D. ’63 Mr. Theodore J. Nesbitt (former faculty) Mr. Joseph L. Shackelford, Jr. ’25 Mr. Warren J. Sheets ’69 Mr. Richard D. Wright ’56 Mr. Benson Yadgaroff ’42
Reverend George E. Thomas
George E. Thomas at Perkiomen’s Vespers Service, a tradition he loved and preserved.
Former Perkiomen Chaplain Rev. George E. Thomas passed away in the early hours of May 9, 2018, surrounded by his family. George was the husband of former Perkiomen faculty member Carmel M. Thomas, father of twin sons, George and John, grandfather of Kate, Colby, Merribeth, and Parker and great-grandfather to 4 great-grandchildren.
Lucy, Sage, and Nicole Allison
Rev. Thomas and his beloved wife Carmel “Midge” Thomas were a vital part of the Perkiomen Community during the 1970s and 1980s. Thomas as Chaplain and Midge a French teacher and cultural director. They were part of the transformation of Perkiomen, creating the intellectual energy that enabled the school to thrive. Financial gifts to the school established prizes in their names that support their commitment to religious studies, modern languages and music. They also found time to restore an 18th century house on Main Street in Pennsburg which they surrounded with a Japanese garden of great richness in detail. There they again formed a community of friends, colleagues and students whose lives they enriched. As his sons shared, “Through all 100 years George loved life and life has loved him back.”
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Class Notes 30s
1935 u Perkiomen was contacted by Robert Lowenstein, who recently celebrated his 100th birthday. He and his wife, Elizabeth, reside in Washington, D.C. To the school’s knowledge, Robert is Perkiomen’s oldest living alumnus..
50s 1953 Marvin Weizer was on campus for Alumni Weekend and stopped by to learn more about the Medical Institute. 1958 On hand for their 60th reunion were Dennis Estheimer, Jim Houser, Ian Maw, Michael Riskin, and David Yinger. Dennis donated his 1958 first prize winning science fair project back to the school. It is still making currents 60 year later! Sandy Auld, who helped pull the gang together, is featured in an article on page 23.
60s
Craig Raisig was on hand for the Alumni Weekend 2018 Welcome Celebration. He enjoyed his stay in Kolbe Hall. 1962 Bud Bruton and his wife, Jacqi, attended the Alumni Memorial Service and luncheon. 1963 Back together for their 55th celebration were Fred Ahlborn, Jim Braddock, John Civitts, Ken Ellins, Joe Kaluha, and Bud Orthaus. Joe organized a PerkCommunities event in Phoenix this winter. 1964 In May, Bob Morgan, traveled from San Francisco to Dayton to witness the unveiling of the Memphis Belle, after a dozen years of restoration work. Bob’s father, Robert Morgan, Sr., flew the legendary B-17F plane on 25 missions during World War II and worked the rest of his life to ensure the preservation of the airplane. Bob, his family, and families of the other Memphis Belle crew members gathered at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force on May 16 in Dayton, Ohio for a private unveiling of the plane and the public opening of a new exhibit. Bob’s brother, Harry, was a member of the class of 1966. Bob sent Perkiomen a copy of the 1944 documentary film Memphis Belle: A Story of a Flying Fortress for student and faculty use. 1965 August Murder by T Miranda is the title of Pedro Tito Miranda’s latest book. It is all about murder and corruption. Check it out on Amazon.
1960 p Congratulations to Norman Olson on his years of service to Perkiomen’s Board of Trustees. Headmaster Mark A. Devey helped to celebrate Norm at the Board of Trustees dinner, following their Spring meeting. His roommate at Perkiomen and fellow Trustee, Ridge Goodwin ’60, helped honor Norm. Ridge commended Norm for his leadership and work on behalf of the school, as he often asked the difficult questions at challenging times. Norm leaves his position of Treasurer, which he held for 10 years, having put the school on its strongest financial footing in history, ensuring the sustainability of the school for the next generation of students and beyond.
1968 Barry Solomon enjoyed the Alumni Weekend 2018. For the reunion yearbook he wrote, “Retired in 2009 and divorced after 40 years in 2012. Moved to a luxury condo on the beach in Fort Lauderdale. Met a wonderful woman and life gets better.” When Trustee Arlen Marks was asked, “What have been the highlights of your life since Perkiomen?” He responded, “In chronological order... hiking the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine, earning my doctor of education degree, and marrying my husband, David.” Back for the 50th Reunion celebration were lifelong friends since the age of three, John Cleaver and Dick Shaner.
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Robert Levine celebrated his milestone reunion at the Alumni Weekend Luncheon. His company, My Boy’s Baking, generously donated the dessert trays for the luncheon. Learn more about these delicious treats by visiting myboysbaking.com. Harold Smith came in from Bermuda for the 50th Reunion – that’s a dedicated alumnus!
1978 Celebrating 40 years at Alumni Weekend were Cindy Breitkreuz, Mike Drelling, Cal Huntzinger, Greg Krasnick, Renee Principe, and Carol Weber. Cal dusted off his lacrosse stick and took part in the Clark Kreger ’92 Lacrosse Classic. Others enjoyed conversations with Headmaster Mark A. Devey about the Innovation Center, the Medical Institute, and plans for a new student center.
Alumni Weekend is always an opportunity to learn more about who is celebrating within the 50th reunion class. To learn more about the work of John Yetter and see his beautiful digital photography, visit jmyetterimages.com. Dick Rainer was on hand at Alumni Weekend to show off his balancing act and Russell Schiessler joined him for the festivities. 1969 Don Barnes was at Reunion taking notes for the class of 1969’s upcoming 50th reunion. This spring Don hosted a PerkCommunities event with a tour of New Hope’s historical stops and eateries.
70s 1971 Jim Cochran is hosting a PerkCommunities event this fall with tickets and a personal tour of Longwood Gardens. Event info will be available soon. 1972 Well represented on Alumni Weekend was the Class of 1972: Bill Bassett, Larry Cohen, Greg Finn, Mike Gibson, Tom Kugel, and Wendy MacDonald. Larry has moved backed to the area and his wife Marla Hexler became the Lower Frederick Township Supervisor in January 2018. 1973 Celebrating their 45th reunion on Alumni Weekend were James Pienkowski, John Pedrick, Cheryl Price, and Kay Subhawong. 1974 Conrad Kubiak, Larry Levin, and Alan Printz wandered back to campus for Alumni Weekend. 1975 Kathy Gildemesiter, Scott Ocamb, Jack Daniel, and Harry Warner joined in the party on Alumni weekend 1977 Is pie your thing? Well make sure to keep an eye out for the PerkCommunities event hosted by sisters Jennie Cook, Owner of Jennie Cooks, and Rachel Bowen Dean ’88. Meet them at Jennie Cooks Catering in Los Angeles for the Make It & Take It 2018 Pie Party! Last year’s event, which was open to the community, featured baking, beer, and arts and crafts. The date for this year is set for Sunday, November 18.
1979 p Marcia Moll Barone was a proud mom on Alumni Weekend! Isabel Barone ’17 performed with the band on Saturday evening.
Attending the Alumni Weekend BBQ was Maggie Wright. Maggie hosted Perkiomen’s Veterinary Camp this summer at her farm, Kraussdale Alpacas, located in East Greenville.
80s 1982 Tim Snyder flew in from Germany to attend Alumni Weekend this June. 1983 Chris Byers’s New England Studios has two great shows, CastleRock and Can’t Go Home, premiering in November on Hulu. 1984 In attendance at Alumni Weekend were Bob Higman, Derek Riddle, and Duke Ruppert. Derek participated in the Clark Kreger ’92 Memorial Lacrosse Classic.
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Class Notes
continued
1988 The Who Was? Show streaming on Netflix is a family-friendly, comedy and history series that features lots of cool writes and guests. It is the brain child of producer Rich Korson. Be sure to check it out, maybe you’ll learn something new.
Lenny Gabriel Regis spent time catching up with Diana Weir-Smith ’85, P ’19 in Miami. After a great tour of the Wynnewood District, great food, and unicorn ice cream they called it a day! Lenny is working as concierge at The Setai Hotel in Miami Beach.
Is pie your thing? Well make sure to keep an eye out for the PerkCommunities event hosted by sisters Rachel Bowen Dean and Jennie Cook ’77. You’ll meet them at Jennie Cooks Catering in Los Angeles for the Make It & Take It 2018 Pie Party the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Last year’s event, which was open to the community, featured baking, beer, and arts and crafts. Keep your eyes peeled for more information.
00s
Celebrating their 30th reunion were Nadine Brennan, Eric Edelman, Andre Gabler, Kelly Mayer Glinski, Dodie McGuire, and Smitabena Patel. 1989 Julie Gabriel Chapman came back to campus to see her brother, Seth Gabriel ’93, inducted into the Hall of Athletic Honor.
2005 Katie Noederer is a volunteer at BUILD, a nonprofit organization dedicated to proving the power of experiential learning through entrepreneurship in addition to igniting the potential of youth in under-resourced communities. She also works at Stanford University in their entrepreneur program in the area of curriculum liaison. 2006 Congratulations to Miguel Valcarcel Valles for his induction into the Hall of Athletic Honor! Friends Alex Kleinman and Julian Gentile ’10 celebrated with him during Friday’s Welcome dinner. Make sure to check out his bio on page 21.
90s 1992 Nicole Allison, Sarah Crabtree, Seth Gabriel, Kara Koch, Ethan Rhodes, Albert Sanft, and David Zettlemoyer represented their class at Alumni Weekend. Big thanks to Ethan for organizing the Clark Kreger ’92 Memorial Lacrosse Classic and providing us with purple and gold pinnies for the event! Congratulations to Seth Gabriel for his induction into the Hall of Athletic Honor! Seth hosted a tennis clinic on the Saturday of Alumni Weekend, and many attendees joined in on the fun. Make sure to check out his bio on page 19. 1993 The Class of 93 had a strong turnout as Amanda Arkans, Rebecca Brown, Anthony Darville, Tucker Day, Ryan Hunsberger, Sarah Long-Bachert, David Milner, Nick Nichols, Dane Tobin, and Ker Vang were all in attendance to celebrate their 25th reunion. Ker’s children had a great time at Seth Gabriel’s tennis clinic. 1997 Jonathan Moser is spending the summer at Klingenstein Center of Teachers College completing his M.Ed. in Independent School Leadership. Jon was recently appointed Head of the Upper School by Headmaster Devey. 1999 Susan Wheeler Young and Kristen Hansen are ready for their 20-year reunion June 6-9, 2019! They were on hand this year for Alumni Weekend and had a blast.
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2007 p Hyunjoon “Ryan” Park delivered the commencement address during this year’s graduation ceremony. Ryan graduated from University of Pennsylvania with a degree in communications from the Annenberg School for Communications. While at UPenn, he was a research assistant at the Annenberg Public Policy Center and an associate at the Wharton Social Impact Initiative. Additionally, he was a brother of the Kappa Alpha fraternity. For over a decade, Ryan has played on the Korean National Lacrosse team, competing in tournaments all over the world. Currently, he is team captain, the Director of the Growth Committee for the Korea Lacrosse Association, and the Korean delegate to the Federation of International Lacrosse. After serving in the Korean Army for two years, Ryan started his professional career at Google Korea in the New Business Development division. Currently, he works in New York City at Google as Partnership Manager for Mobile Apps and Gaming.
2008 David Boehm and Collin Glass competed in the Clark Kreger ’92 Memorial Lacrosse Classic. Classmate Kush Singh flew in all the way from Mumbai to join his classmates for their 10th reunion. 2009 Elizabeth Graham is the Chair of the Board of Spiritual Formation at Westmoreland Congregational United Church of Christ. For DC Capital Pride, She represented her church and the United Church of Christ Central Atlantic Conference LGBTQ Network in the parade and festival.
10s 2012 Tim Croy’s CS Film Productions has taken off as his studio has been doing wedding filming and video marketing. The studio won a WeddingWire Couples’ Choice Award in 2017 and was featured on The Knot. He has also partnered with Eric Cola ’14 to produce drone videography. Check out Tim’s work at csfilmproductions.com or visit his YouTube channel. Eric Fanning played in the FIBA League for the Egis Körmend Hungary team, finishing the year with 209 points, 76 rebounds, and 29 assists. 2013 Olivier Joseph will be returning to Perkiomen this fall! Olivier will be concentrating on work in our Medical Institute as well as with our global diversity initiative. 2014 Dagny Barone graduated from University of Richmond, majoring in political science and business administration with a concentration in finance. In June, she began working as an Associate Financial Analyst at Dominion Energy in Richmond, VA. Eric Cola graduated cum laude from Syracuse University with a degree in film. He is currently working with Out of the Blue Productions in Manyunk in addition to freelance film work. He also joined forces with fellow alumnus, Tim Croy ’12 and his business CS Film Productions, and they are filming weddings together with Eric as Drone Pilot. Eric recently submitted his senior capstone film to several festivals. It is titled On the Spectrum. Check out his other work at ericcola.com. Arnaldo Contreras (AC) graduated from Bates College. He majored in politics with a concentration in philosophical law and literature. This spring, Jasmine Cora received a bachelor’s degree in Speech Language Pathology with a minor in education. She plans to attend Lehigh for her master’s, doing a dual degree in elementary education and special education.
Joseph Pena was selected by the Oakland Athletics in the 33rd (pick 983) round of the 2018 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft. Joey was a shortstop at St. Thomas Aquinas College. During the 2018 season Joey hit .366 (71-for-194) with a home run, 37 RBIs and 50 runs scored. He also had 19 doubles, six triples and stole 37 bases in 54 games. Pena finished his college career with a .354 batting average (280-for-792) with 7 homers, 114 RBIs and 190 runs scored in 217 games for St. Thomas Aquinas. He is also the college’s career hits (280), runs (190) and on-base percentage (.490) leader, while also holding the single season (53 in 2017) and career (180) walks records. The four-time All-Conference pick and former AllAmerican, finished his career ranked in the top-10 in ECC history with 280 hits (3rd), 190 runs (6th), 48 doubles (10th), 15 triples (5th), and stolen bases (98). He is also the ECC’s all-time leader in walks with 180, which is 45 more than the current runner-up and former record holder. The Spartan shortstop was also a 3-time ECC Regular Season Batting Champion (2015, 2017, and 2018). Congratulations, Joey! Nicole Pupillo graduated cum laude from Ursinus College with a business and economics degree with a concentration in finance and accounting. She is working full time for Kregel & Company CPA in Souderton and is also a part-time online graduate student at Liberty University working toward her master’s in accounting as well as pursuing getting her CPA. Nicole is getting married on September 29 to Austin Romero. She is still horseback riding and is training with Meilleur Performance Horses in Hamburg, PA. Abigail Rose-Craver graduated magna cum laude from McDaniel College with degrees in Spanish and Social Work and a minor in Latino and Latin American Studies. She is continuing her studies at West Chester University pursuing a Master of Social Work. Tim Turner graduated summa cum laude and honors society from RIT on May 11 from packaging science in the College of Applied Science and Technology. He is now working at Merck Pharmaceuticals as an Associate Specialist in the Packaging and Combinations Products Commercialization Division. Yunru (Alanis) Yu graduated from Cornell University this May, double majoring in food science and environmental science. She is continuing her studies at USC Marshall’s Leventhal School of Accounting master’s program. 2015 Charlie Barebo continues to play baseball for DeSales University and was named the MAC Freedom Player of the Year, leading the Bulldogs with a .356 batting average including teamhighs in hits (63), runs scored (42), doubles (19), RBIs (34), and stolen bases (19). He also added a team-high three triples and blasted four home runs on the season. Barebro was named to the ABCA/ Rawlings Mid Atlantic Second Team.
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Class Notes
continued
Eliza Kuehner is a member of the Penn State boxing club and became the NCBA 119 lbs National Women’s Champion! Eliza reported, “I got interested from joining boxing as an after school activity at Perk and loved Coach Mike. Never thought I wanted to compete, but then last year I figured I’d just tryout and see how I like it. Had my first fight in December 2017, won at Regionals this past March, and won the National Championship in April, and was named Captain for this upcoming year.” 2016 Jordan Barth is at Misericordia College and is playing basketball. She averaged 4.2 points and 4.2 rebounds per game. She had 10 points and nine rebounds at Delaware Valley. She scored eight points and grabbed nine rebounds in win over Penn College. Shot 4-4 from the field and scored nine points in just eight minutes in win over Bryn Athyn. Scored four points, dished out four assists and had four steals in win at Marywood. Jordan has had five or more rebounds on six occasions and a season-high three blocks against Juniata. Kristen Burdo averaged eight points per game at Wilson College during the 2017-2018 season. This coming year, she will be attending Penn State Berks to continue her education and athletics. Stephanie Falcone was part of the Wagner College women’s lacrosse team that took the NorthEast Conference Championship for the second time in the last three years. Steph had 12 goals and three assists this season. Minuette Laessig is a member of the Lehigh golf team. As a sophomore, Min competed in eight of Lehigh’s nine tournaments and played 17 competitive stroke play rounds. She posted a top 10 finish at Lehigh Invitational, tying for eighth at 154 (77-77). At the Patriot League Championship, she tied for 23rd place. She went 1-11 in singles match play at FDU Checkmate Challenge. She shot a season-low 75 in final round of Navy Fall Invitational and first round of William & Mary Invitational. In addition to these accomplishments, she was also named to the Patriot League Academic Honor Roll. Levi Stoudt of Lehigh University’s baseball program is playing for the Orleans Firebirds in the Cape Cod League this summer. At Lehigh, he led the way with 45 strikeouts. 2017 Olivia Jobe appeared in six games on the defensive end for the Goucher College Gophers during her first year in the soccer program. Ben Williams wrapped up a successful freshman year at Bucknell College, declaring majors in economics and Eastern Asia studies with a minor in Chinese. He joined the Bucknell Cheerleading team. A highlight of his season was cheering for Bucknell during the first round of March Madness versus Michigan State. He is also in Army ROTC. This summer, Ben spent two months in Guilin, China with Project Go, a critical language immersion initiative of the Defense Language and National Security Education Office.
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Do you have a class note for the next issue of Perkiomen Magazine? We hope so! Send it to Diana Weir-Smith, Alumni Director dweirsmith@ perkiomen.org
Hedy Jiang ’20 and Kelly Zhang ’19 perform at the Lunar New Year celebration.
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Gifts for Tax Credit
“The EITC/OSTC program allows companies like Power Component Sales to invest in institutions they believe in, like Perkiomen School. We are happy to support Pennsylvania state students in their educations at Perkiomen and provide such a critical source of financial aid for the school. The EITC/OSTC programs are businessfriendly and truly impactful.” ~ Bryce Manthorne ’64
Thank you to all of the companies that have given so generously to support Pennsylvania state students as they pursue their passions at Perkiomen School. With your commitments, we are able to reach an even greater number of promising students and provide them with rich educational experience that will advance their academic and personal goals, and help them achieve their professional aspirations. East Penn Manufacturing Insulation Corporation of America Mainstream Swimsuits, Inc. McCloskey and Faber Norman’s Bus Power Component Sales Warfel Construction Company QNB Bank Stauffer Glove and Safety A&H Sportswear Co., Inc. UGI Storage Company
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Making a gift of $4,000 to support Perkiomen students through the EITC program results in a $3,600 tax credit back to Power Component Sales and the opportunity to help fuel Perkiomen’s robust financial aid and scholarship program. Visit www.perkiomen.org/ giving/gifts-for-tax-credits or call Christe Konopitski ’09 at (215) 521-5624 for additional information.
Titus Wilkins ’21 delivers a monologue during the annual Reid Awards.
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